FRESNO, Calif. – The UTEP Softball team notched its first win of the 2013 season with a convincing win over UC Riverside, 9-1, in six innings. But the Miners fell short to UC Davis, 5-3, in game two of day two in the Fresno State Kick-Off at Bulldog Diamond.

Game 1

Alanna Leasau continued here solid hitting when she singled in Erica Arcuri in the top of the first inning to get things moving for the Miners. The Highlanders would tie the game after Kayla White homered to left field, but the Orange and Blue took control of things in the fourth inning.

“A thorough team effort was the reason we were able to beat a quality UC Riverside team,” co-head coach James Rodriguez said. “All aspects of our team clicked tonight.”

Kayla Oranger singled to right field, stole second base and then advanced to third on a wild pitch. Kayleigh Walts reached base on a fielder’s choice, bringing Oranger home and giving the Miners the lead for good. Ashley Collazo added another run in the inning when she tripled to left field, leading the way for Arcuri to score her second run of the ball game.

The Miners would go on to score six more runs to close out the contest.

The Miners (1-3) took a 3-1 lead over the Aggies when Leasau and Charissa Ballesteros each batted in runs in the top of the fifth inning. But the Aggies (2-1) put up four runs in the bottom half of the inning to secure the win.

Leasau added two more RBI, giving her six on the young season. Though Danielle Pearson (0-1) got the loss, the freshman pitcher threw five solid innings, while striking out five batters.